Brushless Motor Electric Chainsaws Make Sense
The Advantages of a Brushless Electric Motor
Electric Chainsaws equipped with brushless electric motors have some distinct advantages over electric chainsaws equipped with the more traditional brushed electric motor.
Four Inch Mini Chainsaws with a Brushless Motor
6 Inch Bar Brushless Motor Chainsaws
8 Inch Bar Chainsaws
This is because these motors are more powerful and have a longer lifespan than the older design of electric motor
For the vast majority of weekend warriors, gas driven chainsaws have become obsolete. In fact, electric chainsaw capabilities have developed so far – and continue to develop rapidly – that even people and businesses who use chainsaws daily, are beginning to swap to battery driven saws equipped with brushless motors.
Brushless Electric Motors have developed out of the deficiencies of brush equipped electric motors.
These problems included the following:
1) The brushes suffer wear and tear and eventually lose functionality.
2) The brushes limit the speed of the electric motor (think chain speed here for chainsaws).
3) Their typical construction makes it more difficult to cool the motor.
The Advantages of Brushless Electric Motors
A lot has changed since the first practical electric motor was designed. Modern technology has enabled the design of the electric motor to be turned on its head.
The changes have given rise to the brushless electric motor.
They have the following advantages:
– they are faster, more efficient, suffer less wear and tear (low maintenance) and are much easier to cool.
Oh, and also quieter!
These are all ideal attributes for a chainsaw motor!
The Disadvantages of Brushless Electric Motors
Originally there was really only one issue that was a problem – and that was price.
But, in most cases, that no longer applies as more and more manufacturers switch to these type of motors.
Why Choose A Mini Chainsaw with a Brushless Motor?
How does a brushless electric motor improve your experience of a mini chainsaw?
1) Better Cutting Speed. A faster chain speed equals easier and faster cuts.
2) There are no brushes to wear down so the motors suffer less wear and tear which translates to less maintenance and increased longevity of the tool
3) Less friction within the motor means improved efficiency of the motor and less temperature generation, both of which mean the motor works better for longer!
Nowadays, you really need to look for a reason NOT to buy a brushless electric motor powered mini chainsaw.
They simply make performance and long term economic sense when compared to a chainsaw powered by a traditionally designed electrical motor.
Lets now take a look at the various mini chainsaws (4 to 8 inch bars) that have a brushless motor and what they can best be used for.
Four Inch Mini Chainsaws with a Brushless Motor
A chainsaw with a 4 inch bar is a pretty small chainsaw and there are not that many on the market compared to the more popular 6 inch bar chainsaws.
But they do exist, and some are quite basic while others are becoming increasingly sophisticated
An example of a very simple and cheap 4 inch saw with a brushless motor
The Fanttik Turbolite pictures below is one of the new generation small chainsaws that are going to change the way small chainsaws are viewed and used!
Still, they have there place as a handy little tool for non specialized trimming and pruning of small branches and foliage.
However, if you are going to prune roses or other special plants on a regular basis, then battery operated pruning shears are perhaps a better option. You can see a comparison between a battery operated mini chainsaw and pruning shears here.
The other practical question you need to think about is this:
Would a 4 inch or 6 inch bar chainsaw serve you better?
6 Inch Bar Brushless Motor Chainsaws
This is where it gets interesting as the established manufacturers of big chainsaws have entered this market!
Brand names like Greenworks, Ryobi and Milwaukee have seen how popular this size of chainsaw is and have thrown their hat into the ring.
These are trusted names and they offer a high quality product at a premium price.
There are also a large number of brands that you probably have never heard of that make 6 inch mini chainsaws. Some are cheap, some are not so good, but you can find options that are well priced and have a good track record.
A great example of such a product is the Imoum 6 inch brushless electric chainsaw.
Be aware though that many in the category of 6 inch bar saws ARE STILL NOT powered by brushless electric motors. So read product descriptions carefully!
The 6 inch bar gives this tool great versatility. It is small enough to be light and easy to carry around. But it is big enough, and powerful enough, to cut through more than small twigs.
Branches up to 4 inches in diameter are easy fare for a brushless motor 6 inch bar chainsaw.
This combination of size, power and flexibility make this class of chainsaws the ideal small tool for gardeners, DIY people and even hikers and mountain bikers who might need to clean up a trail they are on.
8 Inch Bar Chainsaws
This class of mini chainsaws are bigger and actually start looking more like a classic chainsaw.
They often have more features such as:
- Splashguards
- A handle for your left hand for better control of the tool and cutting.
- Safety switch
- Lubrication system
Which then gives rise to the question?
If an 8 inch bar chainsaw is almost a “proper” chainsaw, then why would you not rather buy a 12 or 14 inch bar chainsaw?
There are several factors you should consider here.
An 8 inch bar chainsaw cordless chainsaw with a brushless motor is:
1) Cheaper than the bigger chainsaws
2) Is lighter
3) Easier to store
4) Has all the features of the bigger chainsaws but is easier to use in terms of maneuvering
5) Is more than capable of coping with the day to day stuff that the majority of homeowners would require of a chainsaw.
Again be aware that not all 8 inch electric chainsaws are powered by a brushless electric motor.
However, here are two that are that also have a great track record.
The Imoum 8 inch Mini Chainsaw
And then if you are prepared to pay a little more, the Milwaukee becomes a solid option!
The Milwaukee with Brushless Motor
To Wrap Up
In my opinion there is little point in buying any cordless mini chainsaw that is not powered by a brushless motor.
They might cost a little more than their brushed electric motor counterparts, but the lower price simply does not compensate for the numerous advantages that a brushless electric motor offers.